The Yorkshire Classic & Performance Motor Show returned on Bank Holiday Monday 25th May at the stunning setting of Ripley Castle, with one of the warmest and sunniest days of the year helping to create a fantastic atmosphere for exhibitors, visitors, clubs and traders alike.
Thousands of motoring enthusiasts headed to the North Yorkshire venue to enjoy a relaxed day celebrating everything from vintage classics and modern performance cars through to military vehicles, customs, motorcycles and club displays. With the show arena running throughout the day and the sunshine continuing from start to finish, the event proved to be one of the highlights of the season so far for the team at Great British Motor Shows.
The quality and variety of vehicles on display made judging incredibly difficult across every category, with winners chosen from a huge range of stunning entries from across the decades.
In the Commercial, Military & 4×4 category, the award went to Paul Frost and his impressive 1986 Bedford Midi Van, a wonderfully preserved example that attracted plenty of attention throughout the day.
The Kit, Custom, Modified & Tribute Vehicle category saw Warren Bell take top honours with his striking 2015 Ford Connect MS-RT, showcasing the growing popularity and quality of modified modern vehicles within the enthusiast scene.
One of the true crowd favourites of the event was the stunning 1936 Auburn Speedster, owned by Mr Jackson, which claimed victory in the Convertibles, Sports & Supercar category. The elegant pre-war American classic drew admirers all day long and perfectly captured the spirit of classic motoring glamour.
The Pre-1960 Vintage & Classic category was won by a beautiful 1925 Aston Martin owned by Mr M Clark, while the 1960-1969 category winner was the stylish 1960 Vauxhall Cresta PA owned by Mr Maxwell.
Representing the 1970s, Mr D Willey took the honours in the 1970-1979 category with a fantastic 1974 VW 181 Thing, a rare and characterful vehicle that stood out amongst a very competitive class.
The 1980-1989 category winner was Mr J Kerry with his immaculate 1988 Ford Orion 1.6i Ghia, while the ever-popular performance Fords continued to impress in the 1990-1999 category, where Mr Mitchell’s superb 1992 Ford Sierra Cosworth claimed victory.
Modern classics also proved hugely popular with visitors, and the 2000-2010 category award went to Mr Berry and his 2004 Subaru WRX STI, representing a new generation of enthusiast vehicles rapidly becoming collectible classics in their own right.
The Special Interest Award was presented to Mr Green and his Volvo, recognising a unique and eye-catching display that captured plenty of public attention throughout the show.
Club displays once again formed a major part of the event, with the MR2 Drivers Club taking home the award for Best Club Stand after bringing together an impressive and varied display that showcased the passion and enthusiasm within the club community.
The biggest award of the day, Vehicle of the Show, was voted for by the visiting public and went to the hugely deserving 1992 Ford Sierra Cosworth owned by Mr Mitchell, proving just how much affection remains for the iconic performance Ford amongst enthusiasts of all ages.
The Yorkshire Classic & Performance Motor Show continues to grow year after year, with Ripley Castle once again providing a spectacular backdrop for a brilliant Bank Holiday celebration of motoring history and culture.
The Great British Motor Shows team would like to thank all exhibitors, visitors, traders, sponsors, clubs and venue staff who helped make the event such a success.
Bookings are now open for the rest of the 2026 season, including upcoming events at Deene Park in Northamptonshire, Hutton-in-the-Forest in the Lake District and the spectacular Longleat Motor Show Weekender featuring the Masters of Motoring Concours.
For full event details, exhibitor entries and discounted advance visitor tickets, visit www.greatbritishmotorshows.com
Below is a small selection of images from the day.
